Walkabout The World - A Disney Podcast - A Walkabout Reunion Tour In Epcot [ep 011]

Episode Date: May 2, 2021

Hello Traveler! This week is a special episode in so...so many ways. Producer Josh Steele joins me for his triumphant return to the parks after more than a year for a walkabout in Epcot. We take a Journey into Imagination with a small purple dragon, stroll to the Mexico pavilion where we celebrate with a margarita from La Cava Del Tequila, and then make the possibly unwise decision to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour while not entirely in possession of our faculties. Join us for an evening full of Epcot ambiance, animatronic antics, and singing (we're so sorry).  Connect with us at @WalkaboutWDW on Instagram, and find our producer Josh at @TheSteele.

🎵 Well, hello traveler, and welcome back to Walk About the World, your weekly audio expedition through one of the parks or resorts of Walt Disney World here in Orlando, Florida. And this evening is a special evening for a couple of reasons. First off, we're in Epcot, and that's always fun. Second off, I'm not alone. I mean, there's always tons of people here, but I'm not alone, like, while I'm walking around. We have, for the first time in a long time, our producer, Josh Steele. Hi, Josh. Hello, Jeremy. How long has it been since you've been back in the park, actually? Would you like that in days, weeks, months, years?

Milliseconds, if you please. Here, I have it written down, actually. So I can tell you, it has been... You know it's a long time when he has to look at a note. Yep. One year, one month, and 22 days, and, you know, the rest. So back with an annual pass? Yes, sir.

The triumphant return. All right. So we are back in Epcot, and Josh is back in Epcot, and I normally don't say, like, what day or date that we record these things because it's not normally relevant but today is special it's april 30th and disneyland is back open as of today they had a couple of days of cast previews and they're back open today limited capacity but i'm super excited for them for the cast members we got friends out there that are they're fans and cast members and super happy about that oh here's the announcement.

Is this my very first announcement? I'm getting a little teary. Put your mask on. Don't be rude. Wash your hands. Don't eat noisily with your mouth open. Brush your teeth. Be nice to your teachers.

Thank you. Especially that one. Okay. So what are we going to do this evening? Well, the same thing we do every time, which is... Oh, we're going to go on a walkabout. Yeah. See?

That. So if you're just joining us on episode 11, we are a laid-back, easy-going, non-cynical, family-friendly, how many other things? You know what I mean? That's what we are. And we do one thing, and that's kick back, relax, and take a nice walk around a park or resort each week.

And that's it. And that's on purpose. Because I have a notion that wherever you are, you probably want an escape. And that's why we're here. If you can't be in the parks, you can come with us. And so tonight we're going to walk around, get into some things, not sure what, we never really know.

But we will catch up with you in just a minute. Okay, we're back with you, and you guys knew this day would come. It's finally here. You're excited, I know. Where are we? Well, I'll give you a clue. He's got two tiny wings. His eyes are big and yellow. You know the rest.

That's right. It's figment time. Hi. Your favorite ride? Okay, maybe not. But it's still fun. Not the best version of the ride, right Josh? Yeah, we'll save that for another day, but

it's not the one that I grew up with. We're not criticizing. But at least Figment is in this incarnation a little bit. I love Figment. I remember when they had the Duffy had the Duffy the Bear debut. Wasn't he supposed to be like an Epcot... I was going to say mascot. That's not the right word.

Epcot character, symbol or something? Yeah, they tried to bring him here to the States. He became really big in Japan. Indeed he did. Yeah, he has his own land at Disney Sea, and it's huge there. When he was here, he met at that little gazebo over at the beginning of World Showcase, but nobody ever visited him, so they kind of phased him out, I guess. He was originally just called the Disney Bear. Not Duffy. Right.

He was just the Disney Bear, and he was Mickey Mouse's teddy bear that Minnie gave him. And, you know, he obviously had the trademark Mickey Mouse shape on his face and on his paws. Now, the reason that's relevant, actually it's not relevant at all. But the reason I'm bringing it up here is because I have nothing against Duffy.

But don't replace my figment, man. That's what I'm saying. Epcot's character is figment. Don't ruin it. I think we're about to get on. Car number one. We get car number one, guys.

We're looking at the picture of Dr. Nigel Channing, the chairman of the Imagination Institute. Today's theme is how to capture your imagination, by the way. There go the poor soul. I mean, happy, happy guests. Your doom buggy approached you. It is kind of a dune buggy. Should we ride in the same row and make it weird? No, you go back, I'll go in the front. Oh, okay.

Well, I was going to make it weird, but whatever. We can make it weird, but that doesn't really involve roles. Do you normally sing? How can you not? It's a Sherman Brothers classic, even if it's Eric Idle singing it. It really is. Welcome. For your safety during your stay in our sensory laboratories, stay seated and keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the vehicle. And take care of the little ones. Thank you. That's a very odd instruction because this is a very slow ride.

It's one very particular spot. Is it actually? At the end. Can you lose your hat on this ride? Maybe. We'll see. I'm a good boy. I follow directions.

Yes, you do. So I'll hold on to my hat. Yes, you do. All right. Welcome, welcome, welcome to our special drive-thru open house. I'm Dr. Michael Channing, chairman of the Imagination Institute. Hello. I'm going to show you how five human senses can help capture your imagination.

Oh, can I go too? Absolutely not, sir. This is one of the studies to improve your imagination. Yeah, I know a lot about the senses. Their sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. Taste the chicken. Can I go? Please, please, please. No, I know what you have on my sight. On sight? Okay. Come on, everybody. Here we go. Figment, you are not in the middle of the truck.

Figment already made it weird. Our first stop is the sound lab. We'll begin by testing your hearing with a series of tones. Left ear. Right ear. Left. Right. What? This is odd. Um, hello? Hello. Who is hello? Hello!

Who is this? It's Figment! Figment? I thought I told you not to interfere! But you've got it wrong, Doc. It's not about listening with your ears. It's about listening with your imagination! There we go. That's exactly right. Now I've completely lost my train of thought!

No, you haven't. It's over here! All aboard! Woo-hoo! Exactly right. You've lost my train of thought. No, you haven't. It's over here! All aboard! Woo-hoo! Next stop, imagination. For every sound, your ears are hearing. A thousand thoughts can start appearing.

And each of us imagines different things. From just the sound, your mind has wings. You guys ready to sing it? Continuing now, if I may, in a calm, scientific, fingerprint-free manner, the things we see with our eyes can control the eyes of the imagination. Let's begin by using the eye chart to test your vision. Now, all together, if you would please read line three. With M-I-G-M-E-N-T, you can see things differently.

Sure, you can see with your eyes, but imagine what you could see if you used your imagination. Follow the bouncing pigment. I'm scared. One spark of light can light your imagination. Follow the bouncing pigment. I'm scared. One spark of light can light your fantasy. Your mind sees more than what your eyes see.

Your synthesize can make your fantasy fly. There's no way you can hide. I say imagination must be captured and controlled. Uh-huh. Imagination works best when it's set free.

That's right. Just turn your imagination loose and anything can happen. We're entering the smell lab. Figment. This can't be good. Figment. Oh, he's gone. Our research shows that smells often trigger the imagination, especially when pleasant, familiar smells come into play. Oh boy. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo One lovely sniff can be appealing. Your mind can find...

They got weird. Tickle testing. You know, I'm sorry, but after that big stink in the smell lab, I hesitate to send you into the touch and taste labs. Perhaps I should end my open house right here. Great idea. We'll go to my open house instead. It's much more fun. Right this way, everybody. What is going on? You're turning this entire open house upside down.

Upside down? Now you're talking. That's the best idea you've had all day. With just a spark of inspiration, I made my house an innovation Imagination, round and round They come right up and then come down Now here's the real open house, come on in! So what do you think? Is it a dream? More than you can imagine. But Doc, it's exactly what I imagined. Imagination is the brains of the house!

Oh, of course! Imagination? Just tell me you're thinking upside down! Come on, Kevin. It's time to get back to the Institute. I know a shortcut. Well, if you can't read them, join us. We all have sparks. Imagination. That's how our learned. Create creations.

We set them free and know what they can do. Those magic sparks from me and you. You see, Doc, I knew you'd get it, because you've got a wonderful imagination. I do? Oh, yes. Thank you, Figment. And so, as you can plainly see, imagination works the best when it's

set free. You said it, Doc. Imagination is a blast! There goes the hat. Imagination. Imagination. A dream, a dream, it'd be There goes the hat. Imagination is at the heart of all creation. Right at the start of our creation. And now we invite you to set your imaginations free in the Imageworks. Let's hurry! Let's hurry! Come true with With justice worked.

From me and you. In the image works. I just thought of my own archaeology question. That I'm going to have to do the research for. Way to go. I would like to know. Because as you heard. The lyrics for this version.

Are obviously not the same as the original. Which I didn't know. So I would like to know if the Shermans composed the lyrics to this version as well. So I'm going to have to look that up. I wonder who could answer that. We'll have to ask the producer. So where are we? We just entered the World Showcase, and we are heading left toward Mexico. Port of entry store on the right.

And we found the people. Yes. I love the people. And we found them. As long as they stay away from me. At Figment. Yes, I love people. As long as I don't have to interact with them. As long as they stay away from me. At Figment. Yes, I love people. As long as I don't have to interact with them.

We didn't see a great many people over at the Figment ride. I am shocked by that. But now we found them. Out among the World Showcase. To our right. Is this World Showcase? Yet? Yeah, it is. Entry of? Yeah, I would consider this. to our right is this world showcase yet entry of

I would consider this I think once you get past the monorail track I think you're world showcase to our right is the what what do we call this thing well it's the first time that I've seen it in person and it's beautiful oh it's

lovely it looks like a giant metal blooming onion or stargate we hear definitely what's i mean it actually does travelers okay so what are we talking about talking about the new barges structures out in the world showcase lagoon they're going to be part of harmonious is that is that right i believe that's the name. Yeah. And we're not the cynical Disney podcast. So like, we try to remain positive here. Look on the bright side.

Keep moving forward. Moving on. We go on. That's what we do. But, they are scientifically speaking, freaking huge. They are freaking huge. The Odyssey building to our left. Espresso.

Joffrey's Espresso cart you're passing. Can you smell it? I actually can't smell it. The masks take a lot away. Did we mention it is a brisk and lovely 89 degrees with humidity today? Great in the shade. It has begun, travelers.

It is no longer springtime. I mean, technically it is, but Florida goes from spring to full throttle. And I mentioned today that it was April 30th, which means May is right around the corner because that's how calendars work. But May the 4th is coming up and we're going to be in the studios. The Walkabout Crew is going to be in the studios on May the 4th. Well, the Weather Channel tells me today, I wish I was kidding, that it's supposed to be 94 on May the 4th.

That does not make me super pleased, but regardless, it is what it is. Now, we are entering, we are almost entering the Mexico Pavilion area, headed across the bridge, the cantina to your right. It's kind of darn lovely right now. There's a nice breeze.

Now, for those of you that haven't been in a while, there's a line always to get into the pavilion. There's your announcement again. I'm going to be quiet while he talks. They always thank you for your cooperation, assuming that you will cooperate. That's very optimistic of them. So we're going to try to get in line to get into the building where La Cava is because La Cava has become a destination.

It has been decided. And so we're trying to find the entrance to the line and we'll catch up with you down the road. What about angles? I think Josh is taking pictures. He's the art guy. You have to mention that... I'm the talent.

I'm the on-air talent. You're the on-air talent. Which means you listeners are in for a bad time. You have to mention that this lovely pavilion was one of our favorite Imagineer, Joe Rohde's first big project. And you can still see all the detail and definitely that same idea that he brought to Animal Kingdom. It's all the spirit of this country of Mexico. That was pretty good, actually. It's not like you practiced that.

No, that was improv. Nice job. Back when Joe Rohde was... It's back when his ear was just a wee little ear. He had a tiny little piercing back then. But he did have a wicked cool mustache. He did. That's not nice.

Actually, I love... I absolutely love Joe. So, like, that's not a slight... But come on, man. The ear is huge. So they route us up onto the patio-ish. Promenade, I don't know. Yeah, promenade.

Yes. Yeah. Where a great many people are waiting with us. Probably wondering what I'm doing right now. But that's okay. You're with me. Ooh, we're about to go in, y'all. Also has a very distinct smell.

It does. One of the most recognizable Disney smells, in my opinion. And freezing cold AC, which I love. Remember me. As soon as you walk into the pyramid, I'm having a hard time with that one, apparently, they have all of the Coco. Well, it's not exactly Coco.

It's Coco-inspired Dia Los Muertos stuff. I know. It's a walkabout tradition. You have to hear at least one kid melting down. And that's okay. Poor little guys. Disney wasted. Disney wasted indeed. It's not real until somebody cries.

Okay. Now we're in line inside and I'm going to catch up with you guys once we actually get down into the courtyard area where La Cava is. See you in a second. We're back. We're back from La Cava Tequila. We have ventured inside the Cave of Tequila and emerged. The Cave of Wonders. And I haven't had dinner yet and lunch is far in the rearview mirror so

i'm sure putting a margarita on top of that is no problem whatsoever josh what'd you get what kind you get i went with the cucumber refreshing i went for refreshing he's so the guy says you know what do you like and that was one of the refreshing choices. I got the blood orange, and I'm not sure what choice that was, but it is delicious. And so, a surprisingly non-crowded Mexico area town square. What is this? What do you call this? See, these are the questions. I call it outdoors, but

indoor. Outdoor, you know, marketplace area. Mercado. Yes, the mercado. But not a supermercado, because that's Publix. But it's not very crowded. It's kind of pleasant in here.

The line to come in moved pretty quickly, and we are going to enjoy our adult beverages and then go who knows where. See you in a minute. All right, guys. We are in the queue for three caballeros. Grand? On the other side of a margarita. We are in the queue for three caballeros. On the other side of a margarita.

The Grand Fiesta Tour. Is this going to be a two-attraction episode of Walk About the World? Maybe. All right, guys. The Grand Fiesta Tour. Cuida los niños. Yes, are you really at Disney if you can't be multilingual in at least safety spiels? At least for your announcements. That's how you know you're a pass holder, is when you can word for word the spiels in two languages. All right, travelers, wave to the spiels in two languages. All right.

Travelers, wave to the diners to your right. Are you waving? They are looking at us. Which I would be too if I was them. I could be silent through this attraction but being as how this is no longer the river of time El Rio de Tiempo

and it's now the Grand Fiesta Tour with Donald based largely on the film from many many years ago which is very strange I have no problem talking a little Based largely on the film from many, many years ago, which is very strange. I have no problem talking a little. You've seen the film that inspires this deer run?

There are multiple films. This is another one that I have to sing, so... Oh yeah, so you know. and they're trying to find donald apparently yes there's two films you You have Three Caballeros, and then you have Saludos Amigos that they were featured in as well. I bet you're going to be sorry you brought the kink along with you now.

Well, I have to say I'm slightly scarred from the Three Caballeros film. If I have the right one, I'm not sure which one I'll watch, but it's the one from literally like the 40s. And it's disturbing in a couple of ways. You can watch them all on Disney Plus and be disturbed. You can. You can. Donde esta Donald? It says. Excuse me.

You see the duck? Hey, hey, hey! You're all stuck! Bye-bye! That one always bothers me because the eye contact. The actor's not really looking at it. It's animated. It's counterfactual. Now, the scene to the left, the cliff divers, The eye contact. The actor is not really looking at his enemy,

his counterpart. Now the scene to the left, the cliff divers, they have Donald superimposed, but that is actually an original 80s scene. We were remarking off microphone, as it were, that the animatronics aren't here right now. Ah, here we go. Here we go. Ronaldo, he loves the women. He does. That's part of the disturbing aspect of that film, by the way. Ha ha!

Now we got you, amigo! Come on, Donald, It's showtime. Oh, there you go. Bienvenidos. Gran Fiesta Tour, it says ahead. With the really cool fireworks up on the ceiling. And I guess our fiber optics. It really is a lovely little area in here.

They've done amazing work. And the stuff on the right is original. It's painted in whatever type of ink that illuminates under a blacklight. And the apartments look real. They look great. We're always together. Yes, there they are, the three cardboard caballeros. We have, no, I screwed up, there it is.

Right here beside us, as we try as we go. Ay caramba! What means ay caramba? I don't know. Listeners weren't aware that they'd be getting a walk about the world concert tonight. You know what they always say, a margarita before dinner increases your singing ability. I don't know who they are, but I'll take a word for it. Who writes on the side of us?

Dude is good on that guitar. Oh, my God. Well, the only thing I can say, dear listener, is you're welcome. Or I'm sorry. Either one. Probably the latter. All right, travelers. Well, you are welcome, maybe? Congratulations. Well, if you made it this far far either congratulations or we're sorry that's

right I'm I'm so sorry um but uh this is gonna wrap it up uh we we are once again by the lake by the blooming onion by the stargate but it is quite pleasant slight breeze Epcot sunsets are the best sunsets they They really are. And I've missed them so. I'm happy to be sharing this moment with you, Jeremy, my friend. It is very special. And I appreciate everything you've done to drag me along

on this adventure with you. Welcome back to the parks, like for real. Thank you so much. It's a pleasure to be back. It's a good day and sappy as it may be, we actually do believe that the parks bring a lot of joy to people, and that's obviously the passion behind all this stuff. So hopefully you guys have enjoyed this episode.

If not, well, you know what, there'll be another one. Choose your own adventure, as it were. But look us up over on Instagram at WalkaboutWDW. Look up the producer who is standing here, Josh, at... That's steel, with an E, as you always say. Yeah, it has an E. Otherwise, it's going to be a steel, and it's not going to be right. Three E's, not all in a row.

That's true. That's true. Look him up, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear you guys' feedback. Let us know if there's an area of the park you would like us to seek out and record. We would be glad to do that. And as always, remember there is a great big beautiful tomorrow out there, and we will see you in one of those very soon on another episode of Walk About the World.

Later, guys. Bye, everybody. Thank you.